The Philippine Blockchain Week (PBW) opened its fifth edition at the SXM Convention Complex on Friday, bringing together dignitaries, industry leaders, regulators, developers, and enthusiasts under the banner “The Future of Trust: A Leader’s Forum on Technology and Governance.”
PBW has grown beyond a technology conference. Alongside blockchain discussions, the event now features curated experiences in gaming, music, creator culture, and destination-driven activities, positioning the Philippines as a hub for innovation and dialogue on digital trust. Its inaugural edition introduced blockchain to mainstream audiences, with themes centered on financial inclusion and digital identity.
Southeast Asia is one of the fastest-growing digital economies, with mobile-first adoption driving fintech, e-commerce, and blockchain uptake. Vietnam and Indonesia have seen rapid growth in crypto trading and digital ID systems, while Singapore has established itself as a global fintech hub.
Janelle Barreto, president and co-founder of PBW, set the tone in her welcome remarks: “What drew me in wasn’t the technology; it was the people… Builders who believed technology could improve lives. Even the critics, whose challenges elevated the conversation.”
Barreto emphasised that blockchain is no longer the domain of technologists. Government agencies are exploring their use in public service, with initiatives such as the proposed Cadena Act (a Philippine law designed to make government spending fully transparent, traceable, and accountable through a secure digital platform). She candidly shared her own experience of being hacked, underscoring the dual nature of technology: empowering innovators while exposing vulnerabilities.
Dr. Donald Lim, Chairman of the Blockchain Council of the Philippines, expanded on the theme of trust: “Technology alone does not create progress. Trust does. Institutions endure when they earn credibility through action.” Dr. Lim also warns about rapid innovation: without trust, it risks undermining governance and accountability. He also highlighted that AI, cybersecurity, and blockchain are consolidating. It now requires stronger collaboration across government, industry, and academia.
As the Philippines chairs ASEAN in 2026, PBW’s focus on trust and governance resonates with regional priorities. ASEAN has been working to harmonise digital regulations, cybersecurity frameworks, and cross-border data flows, areas where blockchain can play a critical role.
Senator Bam Aquino, in a recorded keynote, reaffirmed support for the stalled Cadena Act: “When we leverage technology like blockchain or AI, we have a rare opportunity to leapfrog our nation’s progress. You can count on the Senate to champion responsible adoption.”
David Almiro, DICT undersecretary, presented “Trust as National Infrastructure: Building a Trusted Digital Philippines.” He highlighted the rollout of 28 foundational platforms, including the EGOO Super App, EGOO AI, EGOO Chain, and the Digital National ID.
With 56 million users already onboarded, the EGOO ecosystem is streamlining government services, reducing fraud, and enabling secure identity verification. Almiro noted: “Filipinos don’t need to handle complicated processes. The government should handle the complexity so citizens experience convenience.”
From June 19–21, PBW will host keynotes, workshops, hackathons, and networking sessions focused on decentralised technology. The PBW Hackathon challenged teams to design blockchain solutions for real-world issues in DeFi, digital identity, supply chain, and healthcare. With a PHP 1 million prize pool and potential venture capital (VC) backing, the hackathon underscored PBW’s role as a launchpad for innovation.
PBW 2026 emphasises a central message: technology alone cannot secure progress. Beginning with trust that is earned through transparency, accountability, and collaboration is the true infrastructure of the digital age. As the Philippines presides over ASEAN and advances digital governance, PBW places the nation at the forefront of shaping how trust and technology converge.
Additionally, venture capital funding for blockchain startups in the region has continued to grow, driven by cross-border collaborations and hackathons that encourage innovation. PBW’s PHP 1 million prize pool and VC term sheets align with this regional momentum.
The Philippines signals its ambition to lead in digital governance while balancing innovation with accountability by hosting PBW and advancing the Cadena Act. This enables the country to become a bridge between global blockchain leaders and ASEAN’s emerging digital economies.
